Chapter 224 I am your biological brother
Chapter 224 I am your biological brother
"Haoyu." Zhu Ziqing called softly when she saw Tan Haoyu come down, her lips unconsciously curving upwards, her eyes filled with love.
At this moment, Xiao Xingyi saw Tan Haoyu and immediately went up to him with a big smile, greeting him warmly: "Haoyu, long time no see!" He looked so excited, as if he were reuniting with an old friend after many years.
Tan Haoyu simply nodded coolly, his face still maintaining its usual aloofness, and replied indifferently, "Yes, I'm here."
"Aunt Chen, prepare some tea and snacks," Tan Haoyu instructed, turning his head.
"No need for that, I just came to chat casually." Xiao Xingyi quickly waved his hand in refusal.
"This is for Qing'er. She's pregnant and gets hungry easily." Tan Haoyu's tone softened, and his eyes were full of tenderness and affection when he looked at Zhu Ziqing.
The group moved to the reception room. Tan Haoyu gently took Zhu Ziqing's hand, softly brushed away the stray hairs from her forehead, then picked up a piece of pastry and held it to her lips: "Qing'er, have some."
This scene surprised Xiao Xingyi so much that his eyes widened. He never expected that Tan Haoyu, who was usually so aloof, would be so gentle and considerate in front of Zhu Ziqing.
Zhu Ziqing felt a little embarrassed by Tan Haoyu's actions, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Haoyu, I... I'd better go back to my room first."
"Wait, this conversation concerns you. Stay." Xiao Xingyi suddenly became serious, his tone firm and unwavering.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit tense, Xiao Xingyi immediately reverted to his carefree demeanor and joked with a smile, "Hey, don't be so serious, relax, relax."
As he spoke, he picked up a pastry, put it in his mouth, chewed it a few times, and then frowned. "I still don't really like sweets."
Suddenly, Xiao Xingyi's smile vanished, his expression turning unusually serious. He straightened his back, staring intently at Zhu Ziqing, and said earnestly, "Zhu Ziqing, I'm going to tell you the truth now: I am your biological brother."
"What?" Zhu Ziqing stared wide-eyed in shock, her face filled with disbelief. She instinctively looked at Tan Haoyu, hoping to get an answer from him.
Tan Haoyu nodded slightly, confirming Xiao Xingyi's words.
Zhu Ziqing felt a buzzing in her head, and she was completely stunned.
She never imagined that the seemingly carefree man in front of her was actually her own brother.
She recalled the confusion and reflection she felt after learning she wasn't Zhu Shigou's biological daughter, and how she longed for the company of her family countless times.
Now that this beautiful dream has suddenly come true, she is finding it hard to accept.
Looking at Zhu Ziqing's reaction, Xiao Xingyi's eyes were full of tenderness and acceptance: "Little sister, you have suffered all these years. I'm here for you, and I will never let you suffer again."
Zhu Ziqing opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found that her throat was blocked and she couldn't utter a single word.
She was filled with mixed feelings. Although she had always hoped to find her relatives, the sudden truth still left her somewhat at a loss.
For a moment, she simply couldn't believe Xiao Xingyi's true identity.
Zhu Ziqing sat blankly on the sofa, Xiao Xingyi's words, "I'm your biological brother," echoing in her mind. Her eyes were filled with confusion and doubt, her brows furrowed tightly as she thought to herself, "Could it be that Haoyu and he are putting on an act just to make me happy? This all happened so suddenly, can I really believe it? I'm afraid of being disappointed again..."
“Little sister, I know you’re having a hard time accepting this right now.” Xiao Xingyi seemed to see through Zhu Ziqing’s thoughts. His eyes were sincere as he took out a document from his bag and gently handed it to Zhu Ziqing. “This is evidence that proves I really am your biological brother.”
Zhu Ziqing hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and took the document, her fingers trembling slightly.
“We found this document while we were moving and sorting through our father’s belongings, and that’s how we learned about your existence.” Xiao Xingyi’s voice was low and gentle, with a hint of emotion. “Our father, Xiao Yuanshan, actually planned to bring you and your mother back before he died, but unfortunately, he was in a car accident and died. That’s how the matter was delayed.”
Zhu Ziqing took a deep breath and opened the document with trembling hands. The first thing that caught her eye was a yellowed photograph. The photograph showed her mother and a strange man. The man was handsome and his eyes were full of tenderness. Her mother was nestled in his arms, her face beaming with a happy smile.
“This is our dad,” Xiao Xingyi said, pointing to the photo.
Zhu Ziqing's eyes welled up with tears. She gently stroked her mother's face in the photo, as if she could feel her mother's past happiness. Then, she saw a handwritten letter from Xiao Yuanshan, which detailed his relationship with her mother and the helplessness of their forced breakup.
"So, my mother once had such a beautiful love, but it was ruined by Zhu Shigou..." Zhu Ziqing murmured to herself, her heart filled with shock and anger.
“Little sister, whether you acknowledge me as your brother or not, I’ve already decided on you.” Xiao Xingyi looked at Zhu Ziqing with a serious and determined expression. “You’ve suffered all these years.”
Zhu Ziqing bit her lip, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "I... My mother and I got married separately later, will you blame us?"
Xiao Xingyi was slightly taken aback, then shook his head and explained, "Don't overthink it. Our parents got married because of family interests, and they treated each other with respect after marriage. Our mother passed away early, and our father never remarried."
"Qing'er, don't worry." Tan Haoyu gently hugged Zhu Ziqing and comforted her tenderly, "Your mother and biological father are both very good people. They have never done anything to break up other people's families."
Zhu Ziqing nodded slightly, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Haoyu. And thank you, Xiao Xingyi, for bringing this good news."
"Hehe, little sister, now that we've recognized each other, let your brother give you a hug." Xiao Xingyi returned to his carefree demeanor, smiling as he opened his arms.
Zhu Ziqing hesitated for a moment, then slowly stood up and walked into Xiao Xingyi's arms. Xiao Xingyi gently hugged her, patted her back, and said with a smile, "From now on, with me here, let's see who dares to bully you, not even Tan Haoyu!"
Zhu Ziqing's lips curled up slightly, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She thought that her mother in heaven would surely be happy for her.
However, Tan Haoyu's face gradually darkened, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.
Seeing Zhu Ziqing and Xiao Xingyi embracing tightly, Tan Haoyu's jealousy was completely overwhelmed.
He stepped forward and forcefully pulled Zhu Ziqing back from Xiao Xingyi's side, wrapping his arm around her waist possessively.
20demayo